The Explorer Guide’s, Alan Melanson, a.k.a. Samuel de Champlain, joined CNN’s Anthony Bourdain, a host of talented chefs and special dignitaries to open the 2014 Devour! The Food Film Fest in Wolfville, Nova Scotia on Wednesday, November 12.

There’s still more Food and Film Fun to come plus…“Anthony Bourdain Up Close” – our Explorer Special Feature. The popular Festival runs through Sunday, November 16, 2014. For tickets and additional information visit http://www.devourfest.com/

The Explorer sincerely congratulates renown Chef Michael Howell – Executive Director of Devour! The Food Film Fest, Lia Rinaldo – Managing Director and their talented staff, volunteers, participants and sponsors on a very successful festival. The Explorer was truly honoured to be a part of this outstanding international showcase for Nova Scotia!

Before the doors opened to the public, Bourdain and other celebrity delegates had the occasion to meet the local chefs and sample some of their epicurean delights. Bourdain autographed some of his books and posed for numerous photos. Afterwards, he participated in a Media Press Conference where he praised the local food samples.

Later, a sold-out crowd enjoyed a delightful band while sampling food from the various chef stations, enjoying Nova Scotia wines, and engaging in lively conversation.

The Explorer’s Alan Melanson, a.k.a. Samuel de Champlain, gave a description of the Order of Good Cheer dining club which was started at the nearby Port-Royal Habitation over 400 years ago. With the help of prominent chef Michael Howell, Executive Director of Devour! The Food Film Fest, Champlain presented certificates and inducted Anthony Bourdain and 27 other celebrities into the present-day Order of Good Times on behalf of the Province of Nova Scotia.

In addition to the Gala Opening Reception, the five-day, jam-packed Festival includes various screenings of food films from around the world, a variety of industry sessions, farmer’s market events, wine tours, chef demos, tastings & pop-ups, hosts receptions and special dinners celebrating the very best of local and international food and wine.

Now in its fourth year, Devour! The Food Film Fest’s number of attendees has doubled in size each year since its inception. With the enthusiastic launch of the 2014 Festival, it’s certain to continue its meteoric rise as a premier “must attend” event for food and film afficionados. For tickets and a full schedule of events visit http://www.devourfest.com/

Annapolis Royal was recently featured in MacLean’s Magazine’s “Canada 2014: 10 Places You’ve Got to See” sponsored by the new Jeep Cherokee. To see all of the 10 locations selected visit http://placestosee.macleans.ca/ For other interesting articles, and to subscribe to MacLean’s, click http://www.macleans.ca

Annapolis Royal, Nova Scotia will be featured in the March 17, 2014 edition of MacLean’s Magazine, in addition to a 2014 Jeep Cherokee commercial and a special video in conjunction with “Canada 2014: 10 Places You’ve Got to See”. Special thanks to Andrew Tolson, photo Editor of MacLean’s, for this photo and his stunning video. Thanks also to Candlelight Graveyard Tour’s Alan Melanson in addition to Adele MacDonald, Ryan Scranton and JoAnn MacKay for their eloquent commentary and to all of the talented musicians, artists and folks who participated, both on-screen and off. After viewing this video, be sure to sign a ballot for your chance to WIN a 2014 Jeep Cherokee. Here’s the link to the video: http://placestosee.macleans.ca/